Post by Isabelle on Feb 9, 2016 17:13:27 GMT -5
FEBRUARY 2016 STABLE INTERVIEW WITH INTREPID RACING, INC. (CAVALLO)
This month I traveled to none other than Intrepid Racing Stables, where the blood runs blue and never fades. This exceptional stable boasts some of the top racehorses in the world, and I got the chance to come nose to nose with some! This interview is much anticipated by many, so without further ado, I shall show you how my day of equine adoration began.
Isabelle: Mr. Landing, a pleasure to be sitting down with you for the day, thank you for your time. Since it is so valuable I will begin right away, with the basic question. How and when did IRS begin? What principles was it founded on?
NL: What a loaded question...-chuckles and rubs the back of his head trying to remember- I guess you could say that we started back in 2000. We were originally known as Imperial Glory Studs and had our hands in pretty much everything from show jumping, to eventing and horse racing. It probably wasn't until about Y5 or so that we found GHF. We had mainly been competitors on the foreign tracks and show circles, but racing was taking on more and more of a prominent role in our circles and we followed the trend. Mind you, our thoroughbreds are a little different as we mixed in some of the lines from our stamina breeds, but what you see today is a nice result, so we can't complain. -laughs- We took some time away from the competitive world and when we came back in Y12, we rebranded ourselves as Intrepid Racing, Inc. No matter what discipline we find ourselves competing in we have always prided ourselves on breeding and creating horses and lines that are sound, healthy and well-rounded. Being a little fearless to take on whatever challenges, is a personality trait that we encourage within our stock. -laughing- You might want to watch your fingers when we go on the tour.
Isabelle: I'll keep a running count of them. Could you go into a few details for me about the stable? How many horses do you have in your racing roster for season 16, how much bloodstock is in your breeding barns? Stables seem to be bloating up their youngstock after the recent changes made to racing guidelines, are you doing the same?
NL: Sure thing. Intrepid for Y16 will have 32 horses running from juveniles all the way up to our senior string. As for our breeding stock, we currently have 36 stallions and 37 mares. In the yearling barn we have 12 yearlings and 11 Weanlings that were just born this year. -looks thoughtful as he ponders the question- I wouldn't say that we're bloating up. I would say that with the three tracks there's definitely more wiggle room for breeder's to experiment and find new combinations, which is very exciting, but Intrepid breeds only to fill holes within our strings. We're dedicated to have an Intrepid representative in every type of race be it sprints, miles or the routes. The more tracks and the more races, does mean that there are more holes to be slotted and filled, but we know our limits. Every horse bred by us deserves to come into this world knowing that it will have time, training and dedication poured into them. We don't breed pasture ornaments here.
Isabelle: Very true. What does IRS focus on, any particular surface, furlong lengths, or bloodlines? Besides winning of course, what sort of objectives and goals do you have?
NL: I would say that Intrepid is versatile. We don't like to be pigeonholed into a type or category because we truly do pride ourselves in being competitive in every facet of the racing world. I would say that we are probably better known amongst our competition for our distance. We've been competitive in both dirt and turf distance races recently, but that doesn't mean that's all we focus on. What we focus on is breeding, training and selling strong and healthy thoroughbreds with a fearless personality. Goal wise, we are eager to win one of the Sprinter Crowns and more recently we've had better sprinter stock come in and we're now eager to start training and developing that talent. I'd be lying if I didn't say we didn't want the Triple Crown again and we would really like to blow everyone away by doing it with a filly. -looks amused- And yes, I have a couple coming up in the ranks that looks very promising to get the job done in the future.
Isabelle: Oooh, intriguing. Please explain the basic roster you hold, do you like to campaign racers for a few years or hold them on longer? Do you prefer racing or breeding more, and what are your future plans for bloodline stock?
NL: Our horses decide how long they want to race. There's some like Alluring Assault who we kept racing into her six year old season to claim a champion status. That literally happened in her final season as a six year old. Then you have horses like Anodyne who follow a more traditional path racing strong as a juvenile, then the classics and a final season as a four year old. I've yet to retire a horse though before they at least run their classic season. We try to wait till they are at least four years old before hitting retirement. Horses have a way of letting you know when they're done and we've learned how to recognize those signs. There's nothing worse than racing a horse past its prime. It isn't fun for the horse and in return means it's no fun for us. We believe in a balanced lifestyle so to choose whether or not we like racing or breeding more is like trying to cut off a leg. We need both legs and we love both racing and breeding. -grins- There is something completely satisfying about racing a horse that you, yourself have bred, but that feeling has gotten a wider spread seeing a lot of our lines in other barns. In some aspects, we've become our own worst enemy when we lose to horses bred by us and raced by other stables -smirks- Still, oddly enough, that is satisfying for me both as a trainer and a breeder. Kind of like a win-win for us no matter how you look at it. -laughs-
Isabelle: Of course, it boosts the celebrity of your stock. In what areas does your staff shine, are they any you would like recognize? How long have you worked with them, and are you looking to expand your staff? Could you give us some insight on being a businessman?
NL: My staff means the world to me, right up there with the athletes themselves. Without my crew, we would be screwed and I mean that literally. There isn't one person that works here that I don't consider family. We're a close knit group and we've spent enough time together now, that they know the drill without me having to even ask. -laughs- Which that makes my job even easier. Being an owner, trainer and breeder is too much for any one man to do on his own and I admit that I am no Superman. People like Rick Manning and Bethany Cavallo who oversee all of the stallions and broodmares are two of the most hidden, but crucial to making Intrepid what it is today. Ethan Marino, our youngstock trainer and his assistant Adrian Hayes, lay all the groundwork for Jaime and I, training and handling them as weanlings and yearlings so that they aren't complete psychopaths. -laughs- Most people don't even know who Liam Graham is, but our on-site vet makes sure that mares, foals, stallions and racehorses alike are in top form. He's prevented unnecessary losses and makes sure that we are selling and training horses that are sound for long and healthy careers. Our business side follows a simple path as to how we train our horses, we watch the signs and don't take on more than we can handle. With the pressure to grow and grow, sometimes people can grow their business expenses too much and not their profits. There's a balance to be had. It comes down to a simple truth, don't spend money you don't have. It sounds like a simple concept, but what sounds simple sometimes isn't so easy. -chuckles-
Isabelle: Very wise words to live by. What would you consider the greatest assets of IRS in terms of staff, training, facilities and general operations, not including the horses? Are there any areas you want to improve upon or things you feel uniquely give you an edge over other stables in the area?
NL: I would definitely say that our staff is our greatest asset. While we have state of the art facilities and general operations, those can be improved and replaced, but the knowledge and the expertise that each one of my team members brings is invaluable and irreplaceable. It is because of trainers like Jaime McGrady, Ethan Marino, all the jockeys and all the stablehands and grooms that lets us get the job done. I would definitely say that while people are our greatest asset it can also be our limitation. We only have so many hands, which can limit then our capacity, but that's where our business sense comes in remember? Not taking off more than we can chew. We can definitely be looking to add more onto the staff if we continue to grow.
Isabelle: Mr. Landing, what makes you passionate about IRS? What drives you in your career and how does IRS support that, and in the face of changing careers? How do you give back to IRS what you feel you receive from it?
NL: I think that the thing that makes me most passionate about Intrepid is the hope that comes with racing. You always find yourself looking at every horse and thinking, "Is this horse my next big one?" Each horse and rider dynamic is always new and daring. It's an addictive thrill to see a horse that you've bred and trained reach upper echelons of racing. Nothing like it. I've always been driven to challenge the status quo, to think outside the box to get develop and train horses that make an impact on the community as a whole. My stable gets results, but it is seeing the impact you have on the sport as a whole that makes it all worth it. The staff is dedicated to achieving those goals and they support me, by being the hands and feet to make an impact in trainings, handlings, therapies....you name it, they do it. That being said, we know change happens and I am always sensitive to my people and their career ambitions. We aren't just a place for horses to find success, but people too and that's one of the ways I give back. These people work so hard, with talented thoroughbreds to change the name of the game, how can I not do the same for the people and make their own personal ambitions a reality?
Isabelle: Has IRS won any stable awards? I know you have HOF and BHOF with you . . . can you recap them for those newbies who aren't aware of the IRS talent, and let us know if they are ones you campaigned or did you acquire them once their status was already established?
NL: Last year was probably one of the best seasons IRS has had in a long while. We just took the Y15 Stable of the Year and Y15 Breeder of the Year, two awards we have been in pursuit of since our return to the game back in Y12. It was three years in the making, but it was so worth it. We currently only have one HOF with us and she's newly inducted and retired. Nightshade has to be our pride and joy being bred by us, trained and raced by us for her whole life. Seeing her inducted after her retirement was one of the happiest moments of my life. She retired with 73 starts and 34 wins and made some records of her own. She's the picture of what a true Intrepid horse looks like. On the breeding side of things, we definitely have more. War Admiral, Admiral's Revenge, Requiem, Rosalind, Flight of Fancy...all of them are Breeding Hall of Famers and yes they are Intrepid horses. War Admiral and Rosalind and Flight of Fancy were three horses that have been with us since the beginning, we raced them, bred them and retired them. Admiral's Revenge and Requiem are products of those original lines and went on to become just as accomplished producers as their parents. Admiral's Revenge is our most proven retired stallion being a Triple Crown Winner from MHS. His last foal with us is the now four year old Ultimate Revenge. We're eager to see how he does this season, but I digress. -laughs- Yes, they all achieved their status and titles with us.
Isabelle: As always I visit the older barns first, to bring up names and see faces everyone knows and loves (or envies . . is there a difference there? -laughs- ) Will Stiletto Allure have a five year old season? How about Lissome?
NL: If Stiletto runs as a five year old will be determined by her. We don't try to cap off horses by their ages. Sometimes horses just get better as they get older. Stiletto has had HOTY success and crazy good consistency finishing in the money. She's definitely a horse you can place your bets on in the races. I think this season you will be seeing more of her and she is going to shine. She's getting momentum and if that carries her into a five year old season, we'll be supportive of that. Lissome is in the same boat. She's prepared and prepped for a season to blow the competition out of the water. If she performs how I think she will this season, she might smash it all out of the park or she might only be preparing for a stunning five year old season. Who knows....we'll let her decide and roll with the punches as they come. Our job is just to make sure they're ready to take advantage of the opportunities when they come.
Isabelle: Do you have any special three year olds you plan to send to the triple crowns in season 16? How are their results coming in for you so far? Anyone you thought would be a challenger falling short or another who you didn't expect excelling? Clue us in on Natural Selection too please!
NL: Right off the top of my head I would say that we have some strong candidates this season for the Crown Series. We were extremely honored and flattered when Battle Creek, formerly Witch Creek, came and approached us about campaigning Uno Momento for the Triple Crown and so far he's looking really impressive. He isn't your hot headed kind of Thoroughbred, he's actually a pleasure to be around and is one of the hardest working horses we have. He might look like a lumbering beast, but he's tough minded and has a stride that simply eats the ground up. I'm really liking his chances at the Crown. We have been silently pondering sending Night Visions to the Crown as well, but time will see. Doubloon Moon we will send most likely to the Sprinter Tiara. She's been stellar and we really like her chances in that series. Some are saying outright that we're sending World Dominion to the Turf Triple and they would be right...but then that does leave Natural Selection. We have been very hush, hush about this Merry Bay King's son's path, but we don't mind dropping some hints. Let's just say he's going to try and follow in Anodyne's steps. We will have some female presence in the Turf Triple Tiara with Lady Timeah. Lady has shown us her supremacy over any surface, but for the rest of her classic season we aim to make her a turf queen. Who knows what's in store for her Y17. We're sad to think that Sophie's Pride and Flying Fashion might not be ready for the sprinter crowns. We had sent the grey colt to train with BBS, but races have been sparse. Same has been for Sophie's Pride, but we're certain that both will shine in their own time. Of that we're confident.
Isabelle: Straight to the juvies now, I am super excited to see how they are starting off the year. Any immediate stars on the track? Late bloomers that need some care? Let us know which ones you think will be ones to watch.
NL: Well obviously, one of the first juveniles that went off with a bang was Lawless. We have been anticipating her arrival for years and the last daughter of The Devil's Touch has been nothing short of impressive. She won right out of the gate and has been consistently competing in the HOTY level races. We are eager to see her next win. Wild Havoc has been something of note. Son of legendary Xenophon, Lawless' grandsire, and out of Wild Flower has won two out of four of his starts and placed or shown in the rest. He's proven to be pure fire, but on the track he is composed cunning. Faded Dreams has been a breath of fresh air for us. She's one of the last Speed Demon and the firstborn of turf sprinter mare White Chocolate and she's been something of note in her races. She's got a HOTY win to her name to date and she's only looking to get better the more experience she gets. We got a little edgy about Ensignia and Silent Front. We had expected them to break out with more flair, but both have since grown and learned from their experiences. We're really pleased with the progress they've made.
We kept our sprinters more on the down-low, mainly because we're trying some more experimental lines. Gambling Fortune though has far exceeded our expectations with two wins already to his name. He's a half to great racehorses like Nirvana, Chatoyant and our own flourishing Doubloon Moon, but he's something all his own. We got Beltane's second foal racing this season, Witching Hour is her name and she is breathtaking. She broke her maiden on the second asking. Some might not pay much attention to some of the others, but that's where they are making fatal underestimations.
We are extremely high on Fading Embers. She's one of the first of Miler Champion Ashes to Ashes and boy is she feisty! She's made three attempts with two second places and she's only getting sharper and dare we say, edgier. If there is anyone to be on your toes about, it is definitely Ember. Final Judgement, Risky Business and Soaring Passion are what make up the rest of the largest juvenile string we've ever had and they are all stunning. Judge smashed his maiden on his second asking. Risky Business on first asking and Soaring Passion on the second. Soaring Passion is a hunk. He's near and dear to our hearts as one of the firstborn of HOF Born to Soar. We're eager for his future.
But now I'm rambling...you got me going on those juveniles and -laughs-...Carry on....
Isabelle: The juvies tend to get excitement going, that's for sure. Do you have a favorite yearling and weanling that has begun to stand out, either from birth or as they are maturing? My eye has been drawn to Divination . . . we all know how I am with the fillies. Any little whispers or rumors I could help you start?
NL: Oh I love Divination. I knew the moment I bred her and sold her off, that I would regret it and so the moment I got the chance to buy her back...well...nothing would have held me back from bidding on her. She cost me a pretty penny too. -chuckles- I would have been better off just hoarding her to myself from the get-go. I think the same could have been said of Tortuga. He's a beautiful colt. He's the second foal sired by Anarchi and out of TT winner Paradise Island, so he has a pedigree proven and desired. It doesn't hurt that he's just beautiful to look at. I would be reminisce if I didn't mention my excitement about housing one of the final El Sol Del Mar foals and it doesn't hurt that her sire is one of note, Impressario. To be honest, I think Natural Defiance might be the filly to take the Triple Crown. We had come so close with Nightshade, but I think this filly might be the one to get the job done.
We have so many weanlings that we're excited about. We have the last Touch Up foal, the last Flash At Dawn foal, last Flight of Fancy foal, but then there are some newbies too. We're eager to have the second Lynara's Kingdom baby and Eternal Phantom baby and Innocent Passion babies too. So yeah...we're excited about all the bright little futures we see running around. We're rather excited to see a combination of Frozen Motion with the dam of Bella Luna, aka a new turf monster, and he's very handsome looking too.
Isabelle: I must say that when it comes to blueblood, Intrepid Racing seems to be the top stable to go to. Anyone who comes to IRS and doesn't leave with eyes popping out of their heads doesn't know anything about the racing business or bloodstock. This will be incredibly difficult perhaps, but what would you consider to be your foundation IRS lines? What new lines are you expanding with, any particular stallions that shouldn't be missed? You seem to have opened up a lot more for other stables to request breedings recently, will that trend continue?
NL: Hands down, Rosalind and War Admiral have been the foundation of Intrepid. Without them we wouldn't be where we are today. They got us on the board and sustained us for years and years and gave us some of the best racers we've ever had. Admirable, TC Winner, Admiral's Revenge, Bucephalus, Requiem, Acantha, Ensignia....the list goes on. But the truth is that if you look at a lot of other horses pedigrees in our barn, nine times out of ten, you'll find one of these two horses somewhere in that pedigree.
That being said, we also have recognized the need to expand and change things. We've brought in some outside lines, looking to some older lines we have access to like Mission Impossible, Bia Lupercus, Kore VS, Dead Empire, Lethal Knack....the list goes on. We've seen recent success with Kyoujin and his offspring has shown brilliance. He's definitely a stallion, I'd have everyone keep a watch on.
Isabelle: Is there a certain special horse around here that perhaps hasn't won major races or bred exceptional foals necessarily, but holds a special place for you Mr. Landing, or for IRS?
NL: Seeking Stardom has always been one of my favorite mares. She started later in her career when IRS first returned to the tracks. We raced her into her five year old season, but things weren't really moving for her. She had the talent, but her heart wasn't in it and so we retired her as a grade three racer. We've yet to breed her, but to be honest, she could be a pasture ornament for the rest of her life and I'd be okay with that. I have a soft spot for the mare and no I'm not saying we won't breed her, but I am going to be very particular about to whom she's bred to.
Isabelle: Please let us know which horse has made the greatest contribution to IRS and why.
NL: I think I would have to say Requiem and through her, her dam Rosalind. This mare has given us the best runner's the racing industry has ever seen with two of her daughters being inducted into the Hall of Fame and the others being BC winner's and higher level HOTY winner's. Even though her breeding career is coming to an end, she's still very much a part of the rearing of every foal that is born at Intrepid. She's a fierce mother and has no qualms putting the rambunctious bundles in their places when she's out at pasture with the other mothers. She's definitely one who rules the roost in the paddocks, but after all she's accomplished I think it's well deserved.
Isabelle: Which horse are you personally the most proud of, and why?
NL: Admiral's Revenge, hands down. He was our first big winner, taking the Triple Crown and putting us on the map. Then he went on and became a prolific and proven sire all over the duration of our stable's history. He is the result of our foundation lines, War Admiral and Rosalind, and he is the one who really gave us our initial momentum in competitive racing. It's hard not to get addicted to the sport when you win something like the Triple Crown. We all remember that day clear as a bell. Intrepid, then known as Imperial Glory Studs, was a barrage of focuses. We did racing, eventing, show jumping, you name the equine discipline, we did it all, but it was Reve's win in the TC that really ignited our passion for racing and since then, it's primarily the only sport we focus on now.
Isabelle: How did you come out after Breeder's? Was it as you expected, or did you have disappointments? Did those results change any retirement or career decisions for any horses? For year 16 do you have any special plans right off the bat with certain horses, any special campaigns or half season retirements?
NL: We can't complain too much. We were most determined to finally notch a BC Classic win and Nightshade finally brought that home for us after a stellar year. Restricted Access really surprised us when she claimed the BC Distaff. She really picked up for us her final year and she deserved to out into her retirement like that. Abastor brought us home the BC Turf finally, after being denied it, mainly from SOPS or BBS, for back to back years. So that was a defining moment for us too. We had thought that we would have snatched at least one juvenile win with either Lady Timeah or World Dominion, so we were a little disappointed at their losses, but they aren't lesser for it in the least. They are still both two of the best in their string. Our minds were pretty much made up about who was retiring and so no, the results of the BC didn't change our plans. We have to be forward thinking, making room for the next generation. Nightshade, Anodyne, Abastor, Night Goddess, Restricted Access, Samhain, Acantha and Barely Legal all had stunning and brilliant careers. It was time for them to enjoy their retirement.
For Y16, we don't have any mid-season retirements planned at the moment. We have more project horses than our prior season, so that means a lot of foundational training and just gaining experience on the tracks. That isn't to say that our horses aren't going to be highly competitive, but we would be too naïve to go on and assume that everything would be like last year. We're in a different place and it isn't bad, it is just different. We have a horse pretty much for every three year old classic and if they aren't attempting the classics, you're sure as hell gunna see them tearing up the track. Uno we are campaigning with Night Visions for the TC. World Dominion is our definite TTC entrant with Lady Timeah attempting the TTT. Natural Selection will attempt the Canadian TC and Doubloon Moon taking on the Sprinter TT. We have a ways to go, but we'd also like to see Quick Silver take on the TT. So there's a lot of moving pieces in the classic ranks. Our more seasoned horses are going to be here for the long haul and we're eager to see them assert themselves more and more as they flourish.
Isabelle: As a longer standing stable around GHF/TW, do you have any suggestions or advice for those older than you, those who are your peers, and those up and coming stables who are just getting into the business?
NL: Definitely, I would say to those who've been around longer, we're watching you! -laughs- To our peers, I'd like to say, don't give up and keep bringing your best....you make us better. And to those up and coming I would say this, have fun, experiment and don't get discouraged. When you're just starting out, that's when you get to try, fail and sometimes succeed. Don't despise the small beginnings and enjoy it while you can. If you can persevere through the start, then you will get to do the more fun things. Don't rush it. Watch and learn from others around you and then make everything your own. We could use some more unique stables out there.
Isabelle: Which stable do you admire the most, and why? Do you have any particular business friends that have inspired you or lifelong friendships that have supported you?
NL: That's a tough one. Honestly, I would have to say its close between Star Thoroughbreds, SOPS and BBS....cliche...maybe. Those are the stables that have been around longer and have shown the test of time. That takes something special. For the new up and coming stables, I have to say I have my eyes on Firestone Racing, they are making things their own and I admire their training methods and they way they are handling themselves.
Amber Black and Ripley Marsh are without a doubt two of my dearest friends. We've been one another's biggest competitors and also biggest supporters. I would definitely like to take a moment to thank them for their support and being people that makes this sport so enjoyable.
Isabelle: Do you have any last comments you'd like to say about yourself, your staff, the horses, or IRS itself?
NL: Nah, my life is pretty much an open book. I will never turn down an opportunity to chat. I like to think of myself as a down to earth kind of guy, so never be afraid to stop me for a chat. Anything to talk about horses and I'm all in. I'd also like to thank you for taking the time to sit and here me ramble on about us. We don't think of ourselves as different than any of you. We have a great staff, that makes things work, amazing athletes to work with...what more could we ask for?
Isabelle: Well Mr. Landing, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you, your staff, and your amazing Thoroughbreds at IRS. I loved hearing more about the foundations of your stable, the years you've put in to really make IRS shine. Your hard work and determination definitely sets an example for all of the rest of us to follow. Don't be surprised to find certain persons (not me, I swear) poking around your stables from time to time.
This month I traveled to none other than Intrepid Racing Stables, where the blood runs blue and never fades. This exceptional stable boasts some of the top racehorses in the world, and I got the chance to come nose to nose with some! This interview is much anticipated by many, so without further ado, I shall show you how my day of equine adoration began.
Isabelle: Mr. Landing, a pleasure to be sitting down with you for the day, thank you for your time. Since it is so valuable I will begin right away, with the basic question. How and when did IRS begin? What principles was it founded on?
NL: What a loaded question...-chuckles and rubs the back of his head trying to remember- I guess you could say that we started back in 2000. We were originally known as Imperial Glory Studs and had our hands in pretty much everything from show jumping, to eventing and horse racing. It probably wasn't until about Y5 or so that we found GHF. We had mainly been competitors on the foreign tracks and show circles, but racing was taking on more and more of a prominent role in our circles and we followed the trend. Mind you, our thoroughbreds are a little different as we mixed in some of the lines from our stamina breeds, but what you see today is a nice result, so we can't complain. -laughs- We took some time away from the competitive world and when we came back in Y12, we rebranded ourselves as Intrepid Racing, Inc. No matter what discipline we find ourselves competing in we have always prided ourselves on breeding and creating horses and lines that are sound, healthy and well-rounded. Being a little fearless to take on whatever challenges, is a personality trait that we encourage within our stock. -laughing- You might want to watch your fingers when we go on the tour.
Isabelle: I'll keep a running count of them. Could you go into a few details for me about the stable? How many horses do you have in your racing roster for season 16, how much bloodstock is in your breeding barns? Stables seem to be bloating up their youngstock after the recent changes made to racing guidelines, are you doing the same?
NL: Sure thing. Intrepid for Y16 will have 32 horses running from juveniles all the way up to our senior string. As for our breeding stock, we currently have 36 stallions and 37 mares. In the yearling barn we have 12 yearlings and 11 Weanlings that were just born this year. -looks thoughtful as he ponders the question- I wouldn't say that we're bloating up. I would say that with the three tracks there's definitely more wiggle room for breeder's to experiment and find new combinations, which is very exciting, but Intrepid breeds only to fill holes within our strings. We're dedicated to have an Intrepid representative in every type of race be it sprints, miles or the routes. The more tracks and the more races, does mean that there are more holes to be slotted and filled, but we know our limits. Every horse bred by us deserves to come into this world knowing that it will have time, training and dedication poured into them. We don't breed pasture ornaments here.
Isabelle: Very true. What does IRS focus on, any particular surface, furlong lengths, or bloodlines? Besides winning of course, what sort of objectives and goals do you have?
NL: I would say that Intrepid is versatile. We don't like to be pigeonholed into a type or category because we truly do pride ourselves in being competitive in every facet of the racing world. I would say that we are probably better known amongst our competition for our distance. We've been competitive in both dirt and turf distance races recently, but that doesn't mean that's all we focus on. What we focus on is breeding, training and selling strong and healthy thoroughbreds with a fearless personality. Goal wise, we are eager to win one of the Sprinter Crowns and more recently we've had better sprinter stock come in and we're now eager to start training and developing that talent. I'd be lying if I didn't say we didn't want the Triple Crown again and we would really like to blow everyone away by doing it with a filly. -looks amused- And yes, I have a couple coming up in the ranks that looks very promising to get the job done in the future.
Isabelle: Oooh, intriguing. Please explain the basic roster you hold, do you like to campaign racers for a few years or hold them on longer? Do you prefer racing or breeding more, and what are your future plans for bloodline stock?
NL: Our horses decide how long they want to race. There's some like Alluring Assault who we kept racing into her six year old season to claim a champion status. That literally happened in her final season as a six year old. Then you have horses like Anodyne who follow a more traditional path racing strong as a juvenile, then the classics and a final season as a four year old. I've yet to retire a horse though before they at least run their classic season. We try to wait till they are at least four years old before hitting retirement. Horses have a way of letting you know when they're done and we've learned how to recognize those signs. There's nothing worse than racing a horse past its prime. It isn't fun for the horse and in return means it's no fun for us. We believe in a balanced lifestyle so to choose whether or not we like racing or breeding more is like trying to cut off a leg. We need both legs and we love both racing and breeding. -grins- There is something completely satisfying about racing a horse that you, yourself have bred, but that feeling has gotten a wider spread seeing a lot of our lines in other barns. In some aspects, we've become our own worst enemy when we lose to horses bred by us and raced by other stables -smirks- Still, oddly enough, that is satisfying for me both as a trainer and a breeder. Kind of like a win-win for us no matter how you look at it. -laughs-
Isabelle: Of course, it boosts the celebrity of your stock. In what areas does your staff shine, are they any you would like recognize? How long have you worked with them, and are you looking to expand your staff? Could you give us some insight on being a businessman?
NL: My staff means the world to me, right up there with the athletes themselves. Without my crew, we would be screwed and I mean that literally. There isn't one person that works here that I don't consider family. We're a close knit group and we've spent enough time together now, that they know the drill without me having to even ask. -laughs- Which that makes my job even easier. Being an owner, trainer and breeder is too much for any one man to do on his own and I admit that I am no Superman. People like Rick Manning and Bethany Cavallo who oversee all of the stallions and broodmares are two of the most hidden, but crucial to making Intrepid what it is today. Ethan Marino, our youngstock trainer and his assistant Adrian Hayes, lay all the groundwork for Jaime and I, training and handling them as weanlings and yearlings so that they aren't complete psychopaths. -laughs- Most people don't even know who Liam Graham is, but our on-site vet makes sure that mares, foals, stallions and racehorses alike are in top form. He's prevented unnecessary losses and makes sure that we are selling and training horses that are sound for long and healthy careers. Our business side follows a simple path as to how we train our horses, we watch the signs and don't take on more than we can handle. With the pressure to grow and grow, sometimes people can grow their business expenses too much and not their profits. There's a balance to be had. It comes down to a simple truth, don't spend money you don't have. It sounds like a simple concept, but what sounds simple sometimes isn't so easy. -chuckles-
Isabelle: Very wise words to live by. What would you consider the greatest assets of IRS in terms of staff, training, facilities and general operations, not including the horses? Are there any areas you want to improve upon or things you feel uniquely give you an edge over other stables in the area?
NL: I would definitely say that our staff is our greatest asset. While we have state of the art facilities and general operations, those can be improved and replaced, but the knowledge and the expertise that each one of my team members brings is invaluable and irreplaceable. It is because of trainers like Jaime McGrady, Ethan Marino, all the jockeys and all the stablehands and grooms that lets us get the job done. I would definitely say that while people are our greatest asset it can also be our limitation. We only have so many hands, which can limit then our capacity, but that's where our business sense comes in remember? Not taking off more than we can chew. We can definitely be looking to add more onto the staff if we continue to grow.
Isabelle: Mr. Landing, what makes you passionate about IRS? What drives you in your career and how does IRS support that, and in the face of changing careers? How do you give back to IRS what you feel you receive from it?
NL: I think that the thing that makes me most passionate about Intrepid is the hope that comes with racing. You always find yourself looking at every horse and thinking, "Is this horse my next big one?" Each horse and rider dynamic is always new and daring. It's an addictive thrill to see a horse that you've bred and trained reach upper echelons of racing. Nothing like it. I've always been driven to challenge the status quo, to think outside the box to get develop and train horses that make an impact on the community as a whole. My stable gets results, but it is seeing the impact you have on the sport as a whole that makes it all worth it. The staff is dedicated to achieving those goals and they support me, by being the hands and feet to make an impact in trainings, handlings, therapies....you name it, they do it. That being said, we know change happens and I am always sensitive to my people and their career ambitions. We aren't just a place for horses to find success, but people too and that's one of the ways I give back. These people work so hard, with talented thoroughbreds to change the name of the game, how can I not do the same for the people and make their own personal ambitions a reality?
Isabelle: Has IRS won any stable awards? I know you have HOF and BHOF with you . . . can you recap them for those newbies who aren't aware of the IRS talent, and let us know if they are ones you campaigned or did you acquire them once their status was already established?
NL: Last year was probably one of the best seasons IRS has had in a long while. We just took the Y15 Stable of the Year and Y15 Breeder of the Year, two awards we have been in pursuit of since our return to the game back in Y12. It was three years in the making, but it was so worth it. We currently only have one HOF with us and she's newly inducted and retired. Nightshade has to be our pride and joy being bred by us, trained and raced by us for her whole life. Seeing her inducted after her retirement was one of the happiest moments of my life. She retired with 73 starts and 34 wins and made some records of her own. She's the picture of what a true Intrepid horse looks like. On the breeding side of things, we definitely have more. War Admiral, Admiral's Revenge, Requiem, Rosalind, Flight of Fancy...all of them are Breeding Hall of Famers and yes they are Intrepid horses. War Admiral and Rosalind and Flight of Fancy were three horses that have been with us since the beginning, we raced them, bred them and retired them. Admiral's Revenge and Requiem are products of those original lines and went on to become just as accomplished producers as their parents. Admiral's Revenge is our most proven retired stallion being a Triple Crown Winner from MHS. His last foal with us is the now four year old Ultimate Revenge. We're eager to see how he does this season, but I digress. -laughs- Yes, they all achieved their status and titles with us.
Isabelle: As always I visit the older barns first, to bring up names and see faces everyone knows and loves (or envies . . is there a difference there? -laughs- ) Will Stiletto Allure have a five year old season? How about Lissome?
NL: If Stiletto runs as a five year old will be determined by her. We don't try to cap off horses by their ages. Sometimes horses just get better as they get older. Stiletto has had HOTY success and crazy good consistency finishing in the money. She's definitely a horse you can place your bets on in the races. I think this season you will be seeing more of her and she is going to shine. She's getting momentum and if that carries her into a five year old season, we'll be supportive of that. Lissome is in the same boat. She's prepared and prepped for a season to blow the competition out of the water. If she performs how I think she will this season, she might smash it all out of the park or she might only be preparing for a stunning five year old season. Who knows....we'll let her decide and roll with the punches as they come. Our job is just to make sure they're ready to take advantage of the opportunities when they come.
Isabelle: Do you have any special three year olds you plan to send to the triple crowns in season 16? How are their results coming in for you so far? Anyone you thought would be a challenger falling short or another who you didn't expect excelling? Clue us in on Natural Selection too please!
NL: Right off the top of my head I would say that we have some strong candidates this season for the Crown Series. We were extremely honored and flattered when Battle Creek, formerly Witch Creek, came and approached us about campaigning Uno Momento for the Triple Crown and so far he's looking really impressive. He isn't your hot headed kind of Thoroughbred, he's actually a pleasure to be around and is one of the hardest working horses we have. He might look like a lumbering beast, but he's tough minded and has a stride that simply eats the ground up. I'm really liking his chances at the Crown. We have been silently pondering sending Night Visions to the Crown as well, but time will see. Doubloon Moon we will send most likely to the Sprinter Tiara. She's been stellar and we really like her chances in that series. Some are saying outright that we're sending World Dominion to the Turf Triple and they would be right...but then that does leave Natural Selection. We have been very hush, hush about this Merry Bay King's son's path, but we don't mind dropping some hints. Let's just say he's going to try and follow in Anodyne's steps. We will have some female presence in the Turf Triple Tiara with Lady Timeah. Lady has shown us her supremacy over any surface, but for the rest of her classic season we aim to make her a turf queen. Who knows what's in store for her Y17. We're sad to think that Sophie's Pride and Flying Fashion might not be ready for the sprinter crowns. We had sent the grey colt to train with BBS, but races have been sparse. Same has been for Sophie's Pride, but we're certain that both will shine in their own time. Of that we're confident.
Isabelle: Straight to the juvies now, I am super excited to see how they are starting off the year. Any immediate stars on the track? Late bloomers that need some care? Let us know which ones you think will be ones to watch.
NL: Well obviously, one of the first juveniles that went off with a bang was Lawless. We have been anticipating her arrival for years and the last daughter of The Devil's Touch has been nothing short of impressive. She won right out of the gate and has been consistently competing in the HOTY level races. We are eager to see her next win. Wild Havoc has been something of note. Son of legendary Xenophon, Lawless' grandsire, and out of Wild Flower has won two out of four of his starts and placed or shown in the rest. He's proven to be pure fire, but on the track he is composed cunning. Faded Dreams has been a breath of fresh air for us. She's one of the last Speed Demon and the firstborn of turf sprinter mare White Chocolate and she's been something of note in her races. She's got a HOTY win to her name to date and she's only looking to get better the more experience she gets. We got a little edgy about Ensignia and Silent Front. We had expected them to break out with more flair, but both have since grown and learned from their experiences. We're really pleased with the progress they've made.
We kept our sprinters more on the down-low, mainly because we're trying some more experimental lines. Gambling Fortune though has far exceeded our expectations with two wins already to his name. He's a half to great racehorses like Nirvana, Chatoyant and our own flourishing Doubloon Moon, but he's something all his own. We got Beltane's second foal racing this season, Witching Hour is her name and she is breathtaking. She broke her maiden on the second asking. Some might not pay much attention to some of the others, but that's where they are making fatal underestimations.
We are extremely high on Fading Embers. She's one of the first of Miler Champion Ashes to Ashes and boy is she feisty! She's made three attempts with two second places and she's only getting sharper and dare we say, edgier. If there is anyone to be on your toes about, it is definitely Ember. Final Judgement, Risky Business and Soaring Passion are what make up the rest of the largest juvenile string we've ever had and they are all stunning. Judge smashed his maiden on his second asking. Risky Business on first asking and Soaring Passion on the second. Soaring Passion is a hunk. He's near and dear to our hearts as one of the firstborn of HOF Born to Soar. We're eager for his future.
But now I'm rambling...you got me going on those juveniles and -laughs-...Carry on....
Isabelle: The juvies tend to get excitement going, that's for sure. Do you have a favorite yearling and weanling that has begun to stand out, either from birth or as they are maturing? My eye has been drawn to Divination . . . we all know how I am with the fillies. Any little whispers or rumors I could help you start?
NL: Oh I love Divination. I knew the moment I bred her and sold her off, that I would regret it and so the moment I got the chance to buy her back...well...nothing would have held me back from bidding on her. She cost me a pretty penny too. -chuckles- I would have been better off just hoarding her to myself from the get-go. I think the same could have been said of Tortuga. He's a beautiful colt. He's the second foal sired by Anarchi and out of TT winner Paradise Island, so he has a pedigree proven and desired. It doesn't hurt that he's just beautiful to look at. I would be reminisce if I didn't mention my excitement about housing one of the final El Sol Del Mar foals and it doesn't hurt that her sire is one of note, Impressario. To be honest, I think Natural Defiance might be the filly to take the Triple Crown. We had come so close with Nightshade, but I think this filly might be the one to get the job done.
We have so many weanlings that we're excited about. We have the last Touch Up foal, the last Flash At Dawn foal, last Flight of Fancy foal, but then there are some newbies too. We're eager to have the second Lynara's Kingdom baby and Eternal Phantom baby and Innocent Passion babies too. So yeah...we're excited about all the bright little futures we see running around. We're rather excited to see a combination of Frozen Motion with the dam of Bella Luna, aka a new turf monster, and he's very handsome looking too.
Isabelle: I must say that when it comes to blueblood, Intrepid Racing seems to be the top stable to go to. Anyone who comes to IRS and doesn't leave with eyes popping out of their heads doesn't know anything about the racing business or bloodstock. This will be incredibly difficult perhaps, but what would you consider to be your foundation IRS lines? What new lines are you expanding with, any particular stallions that shouldn't be missed? You seem to have opened up a lot more for other stables to request breedings recently, will that trend continue?
NL: Hands down, Rosalind and War Admiral have been the foundation of Intrepid. Without them we wouldn't be where we are today. They got us on the board and sustained us for years and years and gave us some of the best racers we've ever had. Admirable, TC Winner, Admiral's Revenge, Bucephalus, Requiem, Acantha, Ensignia....the list goes on. But the truth is that if you look at a lot of other horses pedigrees in our barn, nine times out of ten, you'll find one of these two horses somewhere in that pedigree.
That being said, we also have recognized the need to expand and change things. We've brought in some outside lines, looking to some older lines we have access to like Mission Impossible, Bia Lupercus, Kore VS, Dead Empire, Lethal Knack....the list goes on. We've seen recent success with Kyoujin and his offspring has shown brilliance. He's definitely a stallion, I'd have everyone keep a watch on.
Isabelle: Is there a certain special horse around here that perhaps hasn't won major races or bred exceptional foals necessarily, but holds a special place for you Mr. Landing, or for IRS?
NL: Seeking Stardom has always been one of my favorite mares. She started later in her career when IRS first returned to the tracks. We raced her into her five year old season, but things weren't really moving for her. She had the talent, but her heart wasn't in it and so we retired her as a grade three racer. We've yet to breed her, but to be honest, she could be a pasture ornament for the rest of her life and I'd be okay with that. I have a soft spot for the mare and no I'm not saying we won't breed her, but I am going to be very particular about to whom she's bred to.
Isabelle: Please let us know which horse has made the greatest contribution to IRS and why.
NL: I think I would have to say Requiem and through her, her dam Rosalind. This mare has given us the best runner's the racing industry has ever seen with two of her daughters being inducted into the Hall of Fame and the others being BC winner's and higher level HOTY winner's. Even though her breeding career is coming to an end, she's still very much a part of the rearing of every foal that is born at Intrepid. She's a fierce mother and has no qualms putting the rambunctious bundles in their places when she's out at pasture with the other mothers. She's definitely one who rules the roost in the paddocks, but after all she's accomplished I think it's well deserved.
Isabelle: Which horse are you personally the most proud of, and why?
NL: Admiral's Revenge, hands down. He was our first big winner, taking the Triple Crown and putting us on the map. Then he went on and became a prolific and proven sire all over the duration of our stable's history. He is the result of our foundation lines, War Admiral and Rosalind, and he is the one who really gave us our initial momentum in competitive racing. It's hard not to get addicted to the sport when you win something like the Triple Crown. We all remember that day clear as a bell. Intrepid, then known as Imperial Glory Studs, was a barrage of focuses. We did racing, eventing, show jumping, you name the equine discipline, we did it all, but it was Reve's win in the TC that really ignited our passion for racing and since then, it's primarily the only sport we focus on now.
Isabelle: How did you come out after Breeder's? Was it as you expected, or did you have disappointments? Did those results change any retirement or career decisions for any horses? For year 16 do you have any special plans right off the bat with certain horses, any special campaigns or half season retirements?
NL: We can't complain too much. We were most determined to finally notch a BC Classic win and Nightshade finally brought that home for us after a stellar year. Restricted Access really surprised us when she claimed the BC Distaff. She really picked up for us her final year and she deserved to out into her retirement like that. Abastor brought us home the BC Turf finally, after being denied it, mainly from SOPS or BBS, for back to back years. So that was a defining moment for us too. We had thought that we would have snatched at least one juvenile win with either Lady Timeah or World Dominion, so we were a little disappointed at their losses, but they aren't lesser for it in the least. They are still both two of the best in their string. Our minds were pretty much made up about who was retiring and so no, the results of the BC didn't change our plans. We have to be forward thinking, making room for the next generation. Nightshade, Anodyne, Abastor, Night Goddess, Restricted Access, Samhain, Acantha and Barely Legal all had stunning and brilliant careers. It was time for them to enjoy their retirement.
For Y16, we don't have any mid-season retirements planned at the moment. We have more project horses than our prior season, so that means a lot of foundational training and just gaining experience on the tracks. That isn't to say that our horses aren't going to be highly competitive, but we would be too naïve to go on and assume that everything would be like last year. We're in a different place and it isn't bad, it is just different. We have a horse pretty much for every three year old classic and if they aren't attempting the classics, you're sure as hell gunna see them tearing up the track. Uno we are campaigning with Night Visions for the TC. World Dominion is our definite TTC entrant with Lady Timeah attempting the TTT. Natural Selection will attempt the Canadian TC and Doubloon Moon taking on the Sprinter TT. We have a ways to go, but we'd also like to see Quick Silver take on the TT. So there's a lot of moving pieces in the classic ranks. Our more seasoned horses are going to be here for the long haul and we're eager to see them assert themselves more and more as they flourish.
Isabelle: As a longer standing stable around GHF/TW, do you have any suggestions or advice for those older than you, those who are your peers, and those up and coming stables who are just getting into the business?
NL: Definitely, I would say to those who've been around longer, we're watching you! -laughs- To our peers, I'd like to say, don't give up and keep bringing your best....you make us better. And to those up and coming I would say this, have fun, experiment and don't get discouraged. When you're just starting out, that's when you get to try, fail and sometimes succeed. Don't despise the small beginnings and enjoy it while you can. If you can persevere through the start, then you will get to do the more fun things. Don't rush it. Watch and learn from others around you and then make everything your own. We could use some more unique stables out there.
Isabelle: Which stable do you admire the most, and why? Do you have any particular business friends that have inspired you or lifelong friendships that have supported you?
NL: That's a tough one. Honestly, I would have to say its close between Star Thoroughbreds, SOPS and BBS....cliche...maybe. Those are the stables that have been around longer and have shown the test of time. That takes something special. For the new up and coming stables, I have to say I have my eyes on Firestone Racing, they are making things their own and I admire their training methods and they way they are handling themselves.
Amber Black and Ripley Marsh are without a doubt two of my dearest friends. We've been one another's biggest competitors and also biggest supporters. I would definitely like to take a moment to thank them for their support and being people that makes this sport so enjoyable.
Isabelle: Do you have any last comments you'd like to say about yourself, your staff, the horses, or IRS itself?
NL: Nah, my life is pretty much an open book. I will never turn down an opportunity to chat. I like to think of myself as a down to earth kind of guy, so never be afraid to stop me for a chat. Anything to talk about horses and I'm all in. I'd also like to thank you for taking the time to sit and here me ramble on about us. We don't think of ourselves as different than any of you. We have a great staff, that makes things work, amazing athletes to work with...what more could we ask for?
Isabelle: Well Mr. Landing, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you, your staff, and your amazing Thoroughbreds at IRS. I loved hearing more about the foundations of your stable, the years you've put in to really make IRS shine. Your hard work and determination definitely sets an example for all of the rest of us to follow. Don't be surprised to find certain persons (not me, I swear) poking around your stables from time to time.
